A new Ministerial Direction sets the processing order for skilled visas.
Visa file / Skilled and work visas
Skilled Independent visa 189
Permanent visa for invited skilled workers with no employer, state or family sponsor.
ChangingInvitation only
File: 189
Main chargeA$6,135
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
Who it is for
Skilled workers invited through SkillSelect who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member.
Published eligibility
- Invitation to apply after an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect.
- Under 45 when invited.
- At least competent English when invited.
- Occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
- A suitable skills assessment when invited (a provisional 485 assessment is not suitable).
- At least 65 points, and at least the score in your invitation.
- If you hold or last held a 491 or 494, you must have held it for at least 3 years.
- Health, character and the Australian values statement.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia once invited (not in immigration clearance). If you are in Australia you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B or C. An Expression of Interest is not an application and gives no bridging visa.
Streams
- Points-tested stream (Hong Kong stream: see the Hong Kong stream guide; New Zealand stream: closed) Hong Kong stream guide. 189 New Zealand stream (closed).
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
Enquiry and points check
Occupation, age, English and a realistic points estimate.
Where a registered migration agent can helpGives an honest view, including when an invitation is unlikely.
- 02
English test and skills assessment
Book an accepted English test and apply to the assessing authority for your occupation.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks that the occupation code matches your real duties.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Expression of Interest
Lodge a free Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. It stays active for up to 2 years.
Where a registered migration agent can helpClaims only points you can prove and keeps the Expression of Interest up to date.
- 05
Invitation
If you rank high enough and places exist, you are invited. An invitation is not a grant.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks the invitation and diarises the 60-day deadline.
- 06
Lodge within 60 days
Lodge in ImmiAccount and pay the charge. The 60 days cannot be extended.
Where a registered migration agent can helpLodges a complete application consistent with the Expression of Interest and evidence.
- 07
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 08
Decision
Processing follows a Ministerial Direction from 19 September 2026.
Where a registered migration agent can helpAnswers requests and keeps you informed.
- 09
Permanent residence and after
Live, work and study anywhere in Australia, Medicare, sponsor eligible relatives, and citizenship when you meet the residence requirement.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPlans travel, family sponsorship and citizenship timing.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,135 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,540 |
| Second instalment, each applicant 18 or over without functional English | A$4,885 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent | 61 days | 8 months |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Points claimed cannot be proven.
- Employment not in the nominated or a closely related occupation, or under 20 hours a week.
- Skills assessment not valid at invitation, or a 485 assessment used.
- English test outside its validity or below the level claimed.
- Age claimed wrongly at invitation.
- False or misleading documents, which can bring a multi-year bar.
- Health or character, or a family member not declared.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Identity
Points evidence
Family and character
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
Points test redesign announced. Not in force; the current table and 65 point minimum apply.
2026-27 Skilled Independent places: 21,090 (up from 16,900).
Is 65 points enough?
Sixty-five is the minimum. Invitations go to the highest-ranked Expressions of Interest in each occupation, so many people are invited only at higher scores.
Has the points test changed?
Not yet. A redesign has been announced, but no new table, pass mark or start date has been published.
Sources
- Home Affairs: Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
- Home Affairs: points table
- Home Affairs: skills assessment
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.